Canon Adds Three New PowerShot Cameras to Their Ranks

Along with the EOS 6D announcement this morning, Canon has released three new PowerShot models to replace existing cameras from last year. All three share a newly developed 12-megapixel CMOS image sensor, along with DIGIC 5 processors, RAW and JPEG image formats, and Full 1080p HD video recording.

First up is their new PowerShot G15, which replaces the G12 from last year. On top of the new sensor with more resolution, Canon has went from a CCD type sensor back to a CMOS type, which measures 1/1.7-inch (much larger than your typical point-n-shoot's sensor). They've also added increased sensitivity to light thanks to their HS (High Sensitivity) System, giving you the ability to shoot at up to ISO 12,800. The G15 is slightly smaller than the G12, however control layout and body configuration remain relatively the same. You lose the Vari-angle display due to the size decrease, however you pick up a high resolution 3.0-inch LCD with 922K dots. Other improvements include a newly developed 5x optical zoom with a fast maximum aperture range of f/1.8 - 2.8 and improved AF speed (up to a 53% improvement over G12). The G15 will sell for about $499 USD, and should start shipping in early October, 2012.

Next up is the most versatile mega-zoom Canon has created yet, the PowerShot SX50 HS. Replacing the SX40 HS, the SX50 adds some welcomed improvements, like the World's first 50x optical zoom lens. This amazing new lens covers a 35mm equivalent zoom range of 24 - 1200mm, and includes their proven optical image stabilization to help increase your ability to capture sharp handheld photos. It also received some improvements in AF performance, with Canon claiming it to be approx. 50% faster than the SX40. Other features include a high-quality EVF with 100% frame coverage, High-speed burst mode, and a 2.8-inch Vari-angle LCD screen with 461k dots. The SX50 is also slightly more compact than the SX40. Canon states that the SX50 HS will start shipping around the same time as the G15, with a MSRP of $479 USD.

To finish things off, Canon decided to produce another model in their powerful S-series. This line was reawaken with the introduction of the S90 back in 2009, and Canon continues to add popular models to the line of compact, but versatile cameras. The new PowerShot S110 is the most appealing model yet, with various enhancements that will please a wide variety of users. It's funny however, that Canon chose to use the model designation "S110", since in 2001 we reviewed their PowerShot S110 Digital ELPH. Nevertheless, building off of the S100, the S110 boasts a 1 stop improvement in low-light performance, along with an improved AF system that's up to 23% faster than the previous model. They've also added built-in Wi-Fi to the camera for easy uploads to your favorite social media sites, as well as uses with your iOS or Android powered smart phone or tablet. On top of all this, the camera still boasts a very nice f/2.0 5x optical zoom, and they've even added a capacitive 3.0-inch touch screen LCD. All this for $449 USD.

For all the details on these impressive new models, see the press release from Canon below.

Exceptional Optics And Wi-Fi Connectivity Help Photographers Get Creative With Three New PowerShot Models From Canon U.S.A.

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., September 17, 2012 - Designed for
photographers of all levels, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital
imaging solutions, today announces the addition of three feature-packed
digital cameras - the PowerShot G15, PowerShot S110, and PowerShot SX50
HS digital cameras - providing advanced features, greater focusing speed
and multiple-shot speed in sophisticated, compact camera bodies. All
three models include advancements in auto focus (AF) technology for
high-speed responsive AF systems that capture the moment as it happens,
with significantly reduced lag timeii. Both the PowerShot G15
and PowerShot S110 models include a newly designed 12.1-megapixel
High-Sensitivity CMOS image sensor for exceptional light gathering and
image quality. In addition to improvements to focusing speed and
shooting speeds over their predecessors, each camera offers unique
high-end features, such as an f/1.8-2.8 5x optical zoom lens on the
PowerShot G15. The PowerShot S110 includes Wi-Fi connectivity for the
ultimate in image quality and on-the-spot sharing, while the PowerShot
SX50 HS boasts the world's first 50x optical zoom in a digital camera to
date.

"Art is the by-product of creativity and inspiration.
With the introduction of the advanced features in these three new
PowerShot models, our customers will have the right tools to put their
creativity into action and produce images that they will share for a
lifetime," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general
manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.

PowerShot G15 Digital Camera

The powerful new PowerShot G15 builds upon the success of the
G-series providing some of the most advanced features in Canon's
PowerShot lineup. The PowerShot G15 continues this tradition with a new
28mm wide-angle f/1.8 - f/2.8 lens with 5x optical zoom, great for
low-light shooting or dramatic shallow depth of field. The PowerShot G15
includes Canon's HS SYSTEM where the camera's DIGIC 5 image processor
and newly designed Canon 1/1.7-inch 12.1-megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS
image sensor work in tandem to enhance low-light image quality at a
maximum ISO speed of 12800. Enabling creative video capture, the
PowerShot G15 shoots 1080p Full HD video with a built-in stereo
microphone for great sound and zooming is enabled for optimal framing
while recording.

The PowerShot G15 also features advancements in Canon's AF system
with improved AF times and reduced lag over previous G-series models.
These AF improvements also enhance the High-Speed Burst HQ mode allowing
for continuous capture of up to 10 frames at 12.1-megapixels. While
shooting still images or recording video the camera also utilizes
Canon's Intelligent IS to stabilize the image and provide crisp photos
and steady video.

The PowerShot G15 retains an accessory shoe for Speedlites and an
optical viewfinder as an option to the bright 3.0-inch 922,000-dot LCD
display. For even more creative options, the PowerShot G15 can
accommodate additional optional accessories such as the Tele Converter
Lens, a Conversion Lens Adapter to allow the attachment of a Macro Ring
Lite or Macro Twin Lite to the camera, and a threaded Filter Adapter for
58mm lens filters. For the wet and wild underwater adventurer the new
PowerShot G15 also has an optional WP-DC48 Waterproof Case, capable of
diving to depths of up to 130 feet.

PowerShot S110 Digital Camera

Style, performance and wireless connectivity fit into your pocket
with the new PowerShot S110 digital camera. Built-in Wi-Fi features
allow the camera to share images and video to social networking sites
through the Canon iMAGE GATEWAYiii or to Wi-Fi enabled devices such as iOS or Android smartphones and tabletsiv with the free download of the Canon CameraWindow appv,
or to other select PowerShot cameras, or to a PC. The advanced wireless
features let the camera act as a wireless network and record GPS datavi acquired from a smartphone using the free download of the Canon CameraWindow appvii, or send images directly to a Wi-Fi compatible printerviii.

The PowerShot S110 includes a 24mm wide-angle lens with 5x optical
zoom and bright f/2.0 aperture ideal for low-light photography or soft
backgrounds with shallow depth of field. Featuring Canon's HS SYSTEM,
the PowerShot S110 camera's DIGIC 5 image processor and newly designed
Canon 1/1.7-inch 12.1-megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS image sensor work
together to enhance low-light image quality at a maximum ISO speed of
12800. As with the PowerShot G15, the PowerShot S110 also features
advancements in Canon's AF system with improved AF times and reduced lag
over previous S-series models. These AF improvements also enhance the
High-Speed Burst HQ mode allowing for continuous capture of up to 10
frames at 12.1-megapixels. The video capabilities of the PowerShot S110
are equally impressive with 1080p Full HD video, built-in stereo
microphone, optical zoom while shooting, and convenient playback via
HDMI output. Camera menu navigation, image playback and viewing has been
made simple and intuitive with a 3.0-inch wide capacitive touch panel
LCD screen, along with Canon's Touch Shutter feature, which makes
shooting easy and interactive.

The camera's Intelligent IS system matches the shooting conditions
with one of six stabilization modes for smooth video and sharp images.
Diving and underwater enthusiasts will enjoy the new optional PowerShot
S110 waterproof case, the WP-DC47, capable of diving to depths of up to
130 feet.

PowerShot SX50 HS Digital Camera

The new PowerShot SX50 HS includes a high-powered 50x optical zoom
(24-1200mm) and 24mm wide-angle lens with Optical Image Stabilization
for clear steady images even at full telephoto. To help maximize the
potential of the 50x zoom lens, are incredible 1080p Full HD video
capabilities of the PowerShot SX50 HS with stereo sound and optical zoom
while recording. The PowerShot SX50 HS includes Canon's HS SYSTEM where
the camera's image processor and CMOS image sensor work together to
enhance low-light image quality at a maximum ISO speed of 6400.

The PowerShot SX50 HS also features advancements in Canon's AF system
with improved AF times and reduced lag over previous SX-series models.
These AF improvements also enhance the High-Speed Burst HQ mode allowing
for continuous capture of up to 10 frames at 12.1-megapixels. For
those tricky overhead or low-angle shots, the camera features a new
2.8-inch vari-angle LCD screen (461,000 dots) and Zoom Framing Assist to
help users locate, track and capture subjects while using the extreme
telephoto on the PowerShot SX50 HS. By pressing a button, the Zoom
Framing Assist Seek function remembers your previous zoom position,
zooms out to let you locate your subject, and zooms right back into the
saved position when the button is released. A second Zoom Framing Assist
Lock button allows the camera to lock the Image Stabilization onto the
center of the frame for additional compensation of camera movement,
making it much easier to keep the intended subject in frame. The camera
also features an electronic viewfinder, ideal for shooting in bright
outdoor conditions. To help make photography simple, Canon's Smart AUTO
mode intelligently selects optimal camera settings from 58 pre-defined
shooting situations.

The PowerShot SX50 HS can be set to capture 12-bit RAW + JPEG image
files for instant file back-ups and great latitude with post-processing
and image modification. A hot shoe allows for optional accessories such
as Canon Speedlites or additional lighting options.

Pricing and Availability

The new PowerShot G15, PowerShot S110 and PowerShot SX50 HS digital
cameras are expected to be available in October 2012 for an estimated
retail price of $499.99, $449.99 and $479.99, respectively.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer,
business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. With
approximately $45.6 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon
Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks third overall in U.S. patents registered in
2011† and is one of Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies in
2012. In 2012, for the ninth consecutive year, Canon U.S.A. has
received the PCMag.com Readers' Choice Award for Service and
Reliability. Committed to the highest level of customer satisfaction and
loyalty, Canon U.S.A. provides 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service
and support for all of the products it distributes. Canon U.S.A. is
dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental
responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A.,
sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.

###

† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of
their respective owners. Availability, prices, and specifications of all
products are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set
by individual dealers and may vary.

i As of August 21, 2012

ii According to tests performed by Canon Inc. when
compared to the PowerShot G12 model, the PowerShot G15 digital camera
exhibits improvements in AF speed with a 53 percent reduction in AF time
and a 45 percent reduction in shutter lag. When tested against
PowerShot S100 model, the PowerShot S110 digital camera exhibits
improvements in AF speed with a 29 percent reduction in AF time and a 38
percent reduction in shutter lag. Tests were conducted under identical
conditions - Subject brightness: Lv 13, shooting mode: P mode/Single AF
(center point). The percentage of improvement for AF and Shooting time
lag (Shutter lag) is measured in seconds. Defined focal length for each
model: G15 and G12 at 28mm wide, S110 and S100 at 24mm wide and SX50 HS
and SX40 HS at 24mm wide. AF time definition conforms to CIPA guidelines
established in April 2012.

iii A one-time registration is required on Canon iMAGE GATEWAY, the free Canon CameraWindow app is required for this function

iv Compatible with IOS Version 4.3 or later and Android devices Version 1.1.1.11 or later. Data charges may apply.

v This software enables you to upload images to social
network services. Before uploading images, please be aware that image
files may contain privacy related information such as people and places.
If necessary, please delete such information. Canon does not obtain,
collect or use such images or any information included in such images
thought this software.

vi In certain countries or regions, the use of GPS may be
restricted. Therefore, be sure to use GPS in accordance with the laws
and regulations in the country or region. Be particularly careful when
travelling outside your home country. As a signal is received from GPS
satellites, take sufficient measures when using in locations where the
use of electronics is regulated. Cellular data charges may apply. **
This software enables you to upload images to social network services.
Before uploading images, please be aware that image files may contain
privacy related information such as people and places. If necessary,
please delete such information. Canon does not obtain, collect or use
such images or any information included in such images through this
software.

vii This software enables you to upload images to social
network services. Before uploading images, please be aware that image
files may contain privacy related information such as people and places.
If necessary, please delete such information. Canon does not obtain,
collect or use such images or any information included in such images
through this software.